Islanders News

CAROLINA 4, ISLANDERS 2

The Carolina Hurricanes™ 4-2 victory over the Islanders was led by Erik Cole™s two goal performance. Hurricanes goaltender, Cam Ward, bounced back after three consecutive losses to earn the win, Saturday night at the RBC Center.

The Hurricanes scored two back-breaking goals, once in the final second of the first period and the other in the opening minute of the second period to grab a 2-0 lead. While on the power play, Cory Stillman threw the puck in front and Justin Williams backhanded it home with .8 seconds remaining on the clock in the first period. In the second, Ray Whitney fed Cole, who backhanded home his first of the game, 37 seconds into the period.

Trent Hunter got one back for the Islanders when Freddy Meyer's slap pass was tipped in front by Mike Sillinger with 2:04 gone by in the second period. Hunter banged home the rebound for his second goal in two games.

But with the Hurricanes on a two-man advantage, Cole tipped Stillman's shot from the point for a 3-1 Hurricanes lead, just over two minutes after Hunter scored.

Off a scramble in front, Eric Staal scored with 5:20 left in the third period. Satan made it 4-2 with his 11th goal of the season with 2:08 remaining in the third period.

In the first period, Cole was awarded a penalty shot after Tom Poti was called for throwing his stick while trying to knock the puck away. On the ensuing penalty shot, Cole fanned on his shot attempt.

On the Islanders' first power play of the game, Satan clanged two pucks off the post, but failed to cross the goal line.

Five Stars of the Game: 1. Erik Cole: Scored two goals and was all over the ice2. Cory Stillman: Two power play assists3. Cam Ward: Stopped 33 of 35 shots4. Trent Hunter: Scored the Islanders' first goal5. Ray Whitney: Two assists

Stat of the Game: The Islanders out-shot their opponent for the third straight game.

Slapshots:Frans Nielsen made his NHL debut for the Islanders...Freddy Meyer IV made his Islanders debut and tallied an assist...Radek Martinek (foot) and Shawn Bates (hand) were tonight's scratches.